INTERVIEWS
Written by Kaitlyn Best, 10th February 2025.
Tayo Porter, CEO and Creative Director of Bellerge UK and B3 activewear spoke to us about his life working in fashion so far, and his exciting views for the future.
After building the brand from scratch, Tayo has taken years of consistent learning in order to reach the point he’s at with the brand currently. In the midst of fashion shows and lots of different clothing trials, the collective have formed a vision for themselves and where they want to go.
Behind Bellerge
Before Tayo, the name Bellerge originally never existed. At the age of 13, with his previous business partner, the pair trialled many different words they could come up with, until after around 20 words made it was ‘Bellerge’ that stuck out the most, and they’ve never looked back since. Without wanting to rush the process of finding themselves as a brand, Tayo managed to build a steady foundation and has continued to grow gradually from there.
After speaking about the items in their most recent collection, Tayo shared that he’s never had a favourite out of all the singular pieces the brand has produced. ‘They’re all a part of me in their own unique ways, whether that’s a motivational piece or something that’s taken me weeks to construct, I honestly can say I love them all’. The brand take pride in their authenticity - with no inspiration taken from anywhere other than mainstream Rick Owens collections.
Tayo also shared with us his love for the late Virgil Abloh.
‘I’ve only recently came across his work, and it’s truly an art scheme. His effect on the fashion world was legendary and I love the passion he shared for the industry’. Abloh was only 41 when he passed, leaving his mark on the fashion industry and a hole in the hearts of those who admired him.
The Runway
Tayo shared with us how eager he was to get his designs on display - something he’s always wanted to achieve. Models from all different natures, footballers to models to people working 9-5s, all came together to showcase pieces from Bellerge’s recent collections. It was a brilliant way for people to network and meet each other - with two people even falling in love. Overall, it was great exposure for the brand and to portray how they work behind the scenes.
Expressing the horrors of organising the event, Tayo also told us how much love he had for it - chaotic as it was - and that he wouldn’t change a thing. He had to learn everything step by step, and shares his gratitude towards his family and the team around him who gave him ideas and help towards the final event.
Onto B3
Being a designer of a company and wearing other companies never sat right with Tayo, so he simply came up with his own. As Bellerge gained attraction, he realised it could be bigger than he previously realised - which is where the idea for B3 came in. B3 is the sportswear side of Bellerge - with a growing range of activewear including quarter zips and training shorts. There are currently 10 different items available, that customers can turn into their perfect gym fit.
Their main brand value is ‘Beyond Limits‘ - pushing yourself past what you think is necessary, and maintaining the correct mindset to go further and shape yourself into a higher version.
After asking which celebrity would be a dream to work with, Tayo said Xavi Simmons would be a perfect fit for B3, as he looked up to him during his days playing football.
A dream collaboration for Bellerge would be Allsaints, wholesale menswear brand that sell exclusively to luxury retailers. For B3, Tayo envisions a North Face x B3 collab - which we can see happening, too.
2025
As for the future of Bellerge, 2025 seems to be a positive year for Bellerge. With a few massive collaborations and a few features in shows and runways, you can be sure to look out for what Tayo and his team are planning to bring to the fashion industry next.
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